Best of Lounge - 2019

Don Spiro Lounger Number One 2019
 "Drinkify Me "Artwork by Dave Stolte

Aaaannnnd another decade down! 2020 used to sound like a distant future with flying cars and trips to Mars but all of a sudden it's next year! So let's get ready for a new Roaring 20s' only without that pesky Prohibition thing or sadly flying cars. Loungerati's 2019 Best of Lounge Awards go to:

Lounge Scene Awards 

Velvetina Taylor
Photo Credit: Richard Velasco

Best Burlesque Act or Performer*: Velvetina Taylor

Honorable Mention: Francine Dream (the 2018 winner), Sir Richard Castle's Wiggle Room, and the lovely Seedy Edie

* Editor's Note: We went out allot this year and saw many great performances. Velvetina Taylor was everywhere - from the Wiggle Room to private Art Deco apartment parties to The Salon events and everything in between! A super performer who has not even hit her peak yet. I am sure there is more to come from VT!

Dandy Dillinger holding court at the Shanty for Repeal Day!
Photo credit: Scott Stanger

Diane L. Naegel Award for Best Lounge or Vintage Event: Don Spiro & Dandy Dillinger's Repeal Day Triple Party at the Shanty, Red Room, & Barrow's Intense Ginger

Honorable Mention: Loungerati Beefsteak Dinner, Fancy Camp 2019, The Salon's New Year's Eve Eve

Viva La Musica Award for Best Jazz, Lounge, or Swing Band: Mike Davis & The New Wonders

Honorable Mention: Kate Curran & Rogues Gallery, Michael Arenella's Dreamland Orchestra

Most Sought After Ingredient or Bar Tool for the Home Bar: Tempus Fugit Creme de Banane

Honorable Mention: Bitter Truth Olive Bitters, De Soto Petit Cocktail Shaker

Kenny McCoy, Barman Extraordinaire &
True Yorker in Esquire Magazine
Photo Credit: Aaron Richter

Best Dressed Lounger: Kenny "I'm in Friggin' Esquire" McCoy

Honorable Mention: Toby "The Gent" Maloney, Ashton "Dandy Dillinger" Warren

Cocktail Bars and Lounges

Best New Cocktail Bar or Lounge: Osamil Upstairs (Midtown)

Honorable mention: Stayton Room (Midtown), Black Emperor (East Village), Bar Pisellino (West Village), Sugar Monk (Harlem)

Best New York Cocktail Bar or Lounge: Existing Conditions (Greenwich Village)

Honorable Mention: Long Island Bar (Cobble Hill), Dead Rabbit's Parlour Room (FiDi), Maison Premiere (Williamsburg)

Best Barfood: Sando at Katana Kitten (Midtown) 

Honorable Mention: Deviled Eggs at Ward III (Tribeca), Steak Tartare at Employees Only (West Village), Oysters at Blue Ribbon Sullivan Street (SoHo), Miso Wings at Bar Goto (LES)

Best of the New York Hotel Bars: The Rum House at The Hotel Edison(Times Square)

Honorable Mention:  The Sunken Lounge at the TWA Hotel (JFK Airport), Monkey Bar at Hotel Elysee (Midtown), Lost Hours at Hotel 3232 (Midtown)

Spumoni Cocktail with Espresso back at Bar Pisellino

Best Cocktail of 2019: Spumoni (Neversink gin, Campari, Pink Peppercorn syrup, Fever Tree Indian Tonic water, fresh Ruby Red grapefruit, cracked pink peppercorns)at Bar Pisellino(West Village)

Honorable Mention: Yellow Bird (Plantation 3 Star Rum, Galliano L'Autentico, Cointreau, fresh lime, acid lime cordial, saline, lime twist) at Existing Conditions, The Runnable Stag (Dalmore 12-Year Scotch, Suze, Sales, Star Anise, Orange Bitters) at Sugar Monk

Editors and Staff Picks:

Best Seat in the House: Dug Out seat at Ward III (Tribeca)

Honorable mention: Any seat at The Grill, The "Regular" seat at Rum House, & F14 at Clover Club when in Brooklyn (natch!)

Best Cocktail for the Road: Ichi-mas Boilermaker (Sapporo lager & Toki Japanese Whiskey) at Katana Kitten (West Village)

Honorable Mention: Irish Coffee at Dead Rabbit (FiDi), Old Pal at Dante (Greenwich Village)

Best Saloon: Hudson Malone (Midtown East) 

Honorable Mention: American Whiskey (Midtown), Ward III (Tribeca),The Gaf West (Hell's Kitchen)

Best NY Tiki Experience: Garret Richard's Exotica Night at Raines Law Room (Midtown)
Honorable Mention:Cellar 335 (Jersey City), Mother of Pearl (East Village), Polynesian (Midtown)

Best of the Internationals: Fifty Mils (Mexico D.F)

Honorable Mention: American Bar at Savoy Hotel (London), Dirty Dick (Paris)

ALIBI in SLC, bartender owned, Loungerati approved.

Best American Cocktail Bar (ex-NYC) Visited in 2019: Alibi (Salt Lake City)

Honorable Mention: Cafe La Trova (Miami), Better Days(Miami), The Man Behind the Curtain at Platform 18 (Phoenix), Raised by Wolves (San Diego)

Best Dive aka "The Gutter Award": Jimmy's Corner (Times Square)

Honorable Mention: Patriot Bar  (Tribeca), Tracks in Penn Station - RIP (Midtown)

Brian F. Paynter Award for Lounger Number One: Don "Sazarac" Spiro

Honorable mention: Ashton "Dandy Dillinger" Warren, David "Grumpy Old Hepcat" Talaga

Last year we lamented the closing of many New York cocktail favorites, like the venerable Flatiron Lounge. This year we look forward to a new decade and what seems to be many eagerly awaited new bars on the horizon. These include two new Brooklyn additions -  Bar Goto Niban (from the Bar Goto team) coming to Park Slope and St. John Frizzel's The Sunken Harbor at the newly renovated Gage & Tollner on Fulton Street in downtown Brooklyn. Tis' a new decade with new possibilities and adventures to come! The Loungerati look forward to more great times, the friendships to be made, and superb hospitality.

Til' the next Manhattans!

- The Loungerati

Beefsteak Dinner 2019

Best of Lounge - 2018

Fredo Ceraso is this year's Lounger Number 1 despite his ardent protests.
He humbly accepted the award at the Loungerati Staff Beefsteak Dinner held on Repeal Weekend in NYC.

Wow! 2018 done already? What happened? It was a blur and we are looking forward to the last year of the "teens". Loungerati's 2018 Best of Lounge Awards go to:

Lounge Scene Awards 

Best Burlesque Act or Performer*: Francine The Lucid Dream's Pink Room Burlesque, NYC

Honorable Mention: Gin Minsky, Miss Puss-n-Boots, Gal Friday, Glitter Gutter at Slipper Room

Francine The Lucid Dream & Friends

* Editor's Note: We could probably list dozens of terrific shows, performances, and acts that Francine was involved with this year - it is truly remarkable. We are convinced she must have doppelgangers to do it all and wish her best of luck with her nomination for Broadway World Cabaret Awards Best Burlesque Show!! 

Diane L. Naegel Award for Best Lounge or Vintage Event: Don Spiro's Green Fairy at the Red Room  

Honorable Mention: Dances of Vice - Great Gatsby Party, The Easter Parade, Loungerati Beefsteak Dinner

Viva La Musica Award for Best Jazz, Lounge, or Swing Band: The Glenn Crytzer Orchestra

Honorable Mention: Brian Newman, Dandy Wellington & His Band, Michael Arenella's Dreamland Orchestra

Glenn Crytzer

Most Sought After Ingredient or Bar Tool for the Home Bar: Nikka Coffey Gin

Honorable Mention: Bigallet 'China-China' Amer, I Just Came for the Drinks by Sother Teague, Old Overholt Bonded Rye

Best Dressed Lounger: Ashton "Dandy Dillinger" Warren 

Honorable Mention: Eff "Occhi Azzurri" Blangiardo, Brian "Showboat" Newman, Lesley "Jee-Jee" Martin

Dandy Dillinger with Don Spiro of Green Fairy

Cocktail Bars and Lounges

Best New Cocktail Bar or Lounge: Tie: Katana Kitten (West Village) & Osamil (Midtown)

Honorable mention: The Polynesian (Times Square), Gibson & Luce (Midtown), George Washington Bar at Freehand Hotel (Gramercy)

Ben Rojo of GW Bar & Jelo of Osamil at Osamil

Best New York Cocktail Bar or Lounge: Dante (Greenwich Village)

Honorable Mention: Long Island Bar (Cobble Hill), The Dead Rabbit (FIDI), Clover Club (Boerum Hill), Dear Irving (Union Square)

Best Barfood: Korean Fried Chicken at Osamil (Midtown) 

Honorable Mention: Deviled Eggs at Ward III (Tribeca), Steak Tartare at Employees Only (West Village), Katsu Sando at Bar Moga (Greenwich Village)

Best of the New York Hotel Bars: Rum House at Hotel Edison(Times Square)

Honorable Mention: Lantern's Keep at the Iroquois (Times Square), Nomad at Nomad Hotel (Midtown), Gin Parlour at Intercontinental Hotel (Midtown)

Best Cocktail of 2018: The Calpico Swizzle (Bombay Sapphire East, Nigori Sake, Calpico, lime, sansho pepper, blanc de blanc)at Katana Kitten (West Village)

Honorable Mention: K-Town Sidecar at Osamil (Midtown), Commodore Perry Cooler at George Washington Bar(Gramercy), Permanent Vacation at Grand Banks (Tribeca)

Calpico Swizzle at Katana Kitten

Editors and Staff Picks:

Best Seat in the House: Dug Out seat at Ward III (Tribeca)

Honorable mention: Snug booth at Dead Rabbit's refurbished Tap Room, the seat farthest from Phil Ward in Long Island Bar or Rockwell Place, & F14 at Clover Club of course when in Brooklyn (natch!)

Affinity Cocktail with Harleston Green Blended Scotch and
Deviled Eggs in the Dug Out Seat at Ward III

Best Cocktail for the Road**: Army & Navy Cocktail (London Dry Gin, Lemon, Housemande Orgeat) at Flatiron Lounge (Chelsea)

Honorable Mention: Irish Coffee at Dead Rabbit (FiDi), Ichi-mas Boilermaker (Sapporo lager & Toki Japanese Whiskey) at Katana Kitten (West Village), The Derelict (rums, bourbon, banana, cinnamon, passion fruit, absinthe and juices) at Polynesian (Midtown West)

Army & Navy Cocktail at Flatiron Lounge (RIP)

**Editor's Note: The last cocktail we ordered at Flatiron Lounge the week before it closed was the classic Army & Navy. What a way to say good-bye to a cocktail stalwart!

Best Saloon: Hanks Saloon (Boerum Hill) 

Honorable Mention: Hudson Malone (Midtown East), American Whiskey (Midtown), The Gaf West (Hell's Kitchen)

Best NY Tiki Experience: Exotica Night at Raines Law Room (Midtown)
Honorable Mention: The Polynesian (Midtown West), Sunken Harbor at Ft Defiance (Red Hook), Cellar 335 (Jersey City)

Best of the Internationals: El Pequeno Bar (Montreal)

Honorable Mention: American Bar at Savoy Hotel (London), Fifty Mils (Mexico D.F.)

*NEW* Best American Cocktail Bar (ex-NYC) Visited in 2018: Water Witch (SLC)

Honorable Mention: Rosina (Las Vegas), Lost Lake (Chicago), Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co. (Miami)

Best Dive aka "The Gutter Award": Hanks Saloon (Boerum Hill)

Honorable Mention: Jimmy's Corner (Times Square), Nancy Whiskey Pub (Tribeca), Tracks in Penn Station (Midtown) 

Was lucky enough to have a last drink served by
veteran bartender Jeannie Talierico. Thanks for the memories!  

Brian F. Paynter Award for Lounger Number One: Fredo "Don't Give Me this Award" Ceraso 

Honorable mention: David "GOH" Talaga, Joe "The Leisure Master" Desmond, Don "Mr. Absinthe" Spiro

Lastly, the New York cocktail bar scene lost too many of our favorite watering holes this past year. Flatiron Lounge, Julie Reiner's pioneering cocktail bar served its last drink after almost 15 years, Hanks Saloon, the iconic downtown Brooklyn dive bar shuttered, as did relative new comers Suffolk Arms. We will miss these joints and fondly remember the good times, friendships made, and hospitality.

Til' the next Manhattans!

- The Loungerati

Happy New Year!

Barfly's Beat: An Autumn Cocktail Crawl

The Old Wench is a keeper!

Big surprise! Autumn is our friggin favorite season. Besides the crisp cool air, the opportunity to wear tweed jackets, and enjoy the colorful foliage, there is another great reason to love the season. Imagine a time of year that has four months that end in the letter “R” in a row? Folks, that’s a helluva lot of oysters!! And seasonal boozy cocktails go perfect with oysters and other tasty bar foods!

Keeping this in mind, start your Autumn cocktail crawl off at the acclaimed Maison Premiere in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for Oyster Happy Hour (4 - 7pm) - there are over 60 types of oysters on their menu for half price! Order a duo of Autumn Absinthe Juleps to wash them down, then hit the Little Neck clams. I have never considered the julep a post-summer option but barman Maxwell Britten has successfully changed my mind with the Autumn Absinthe Julep.

AUTUMN ABSINTHE JULEP

By Maxwell Britten

1 oz Pacifique Absinthe

1 oz still water

1 Heavy barspoon Crème de Framboise

¼ oz Demerara syrup

1 Sugar cube

Ice: Crushed

Tools: Julep Tin, bar spoon, jigger

Method: Muddle, remove mint, add ingredients, muddle sugar, add ice, swizzle, add more ice, garnish with Mint Bouquet

Where to get it: Maison Premiere (298 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn)

Properly toasted with this refreshing aperitif and oysters, we head across the river to Soho and visit tiki haven Lani Kai. Forget Old Man Winter, autumn’s Old Wench cocktail is the one to watch out for! Share a delicious Pu Pu Platter (crab wontons, delicata squash tempura, char sui baby back ribs, and escabeche tacos) paired with Julie Reiner's tiki’d up this variation of the old fashioned called the Old Wench. This libation features potent Lemon Hart 151, rich demerara syrup, and Elemakule Tiki Bitters – which adds cinnamon and allspice essence to the cocktail. Make a date with the Old Wench - she’ll warm you right up.

THE OLD WENCH

Adapted by Julie Reiner

1 ½ oz Bourbon
½ oz 151 Demerara Rum
4 dashes Elemakule Tiki Bitters
1 dash Angostura Bitters
1 bar spoon Demerara syrup

lemon and orange twist

Method: Stir and strain over ice in a chilled dbl rocks glass

Where to get it: Lani Kai (525 Broome Street, Soho)
 

Next up, we head downtown to Tribeca’s Ward III to sample their autumn cocktail menu. Partners Michael Neff, Kenneth McCoy, and Abdul Tabini put together a top notch menu using seasonal ingredients. One of the stand outs is a boozy little number called The Stag. The Stag has a citrus fragrance and smoky nose thanks to the Balvenie 15 years single malt scotch which features smooth flavors such as vanilla, honey, bitter, citrus. The Gran Classico bitters blends well with the scotch without up staging it. Pair the Stag with some of Ward III's famous pulled pork sliders and that's dinner! This is a stud of a drink and will fortify you against the chilled nights.

THE STAG

2 1/2 oz Balvenie 15yr Single Malt Scotch

1/2 oz Gran Classico Bitter
3 dashes of Regans Orange bitters
Angostura rub

Tools: Mixing tins, muddler, jigger,
 

Method: Muddle 4 gloves with lemon and orange peels in a mixing  glass. Add scotch and gran classico. Stir with ice. Add a few dashes of angostura to a coupe and rub the inside of the glass with orange 

peel, serve up with a orange twist.

Where to get it: Ward III (111 Reade Street, NYC)

Finally, here is a great drink for your home bar compliments of drinks blogger Joshua Hoffman of SpiritedCocktails.com. This punch hits on all the classic Fall seasonal notes – cinnamon, apple cider, with the warming hand of Anejo rum – and adds some bubbly for effervescence.

AUTUMN HARVEST PUNCH

Adapted by Joshua Hoffman

2 oz Anejo Rum (Flor de Cana Anejo – 5years)
1 oz Apple Cider
½ oz lime juice
½ oz cinnamon bark syrup (Trader Tiki is recommended)
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Top with sparkling wine (prosecco)

Tools: Mixing tins, jigger, bar spoon
 

Method: Combine all the ingredients except the sparkling wine in mixing tin, add ice, and shake until well chilled. Strain into a frosted goblet and top with sparkling wine. Add a Star Anise or two as garnish.

Where to get it: At your home bar!

SALUTE!

Barfly's Beat: Ward III

The welcoming team at Ward III in Tribeca

At some saloons, one can attempt to become a regular because you think it is brightest new joint or have some sort of historical pedigree. Maybe you sat there one night and saw some regulars walk in, get the royal treatment, and said to yourself, "I wanna be that guy one day. I'll start coming here often and tipping well." Let me stop you right there.  In my opinion, you should never "try" to be a regular, you should only frequent places that make you feel at home and the rest will come. Ward III bar in the TriBeCa section of New York City's downtown is one of those bars where becoming a regular comes naturally because of the culture crafted by its owners.


Proprietors Michael Neff, Kenneth McCoy, and Abdul Tabini greet you with a smile, a handshake, and sincerity whether you are stopping by for your first drink or a nightcap. They execute quality drinks with fresh ingredients in a high volume environment and somehow make time to engage in conversation. They are true barmen and I call them friends. These guys care about their customers, the neighborhood, and take service seriously. This culture does not end with the owners,  their bar staff (I'd like to give the nod to Wes, Max, Shaun, and Danny) keep the drinks and food flowing with seamless ease and same attention to client service. And do you know what? This translates into you becoming a regular without trying.

The Baby Eveline Cocktail and a Whiskey Sour

What Ward III does right, in addition to service and top notch libations,  is provide an atmosphere that is welcoming and that lacks pretension. One can show up in a cuffs and buttons or t-shirt and jeans, in a celebratory group or solo with a book, and one can order beer on tap or a delicious signature cocktail. It is your call. Then there is the bar food menu, which is key when having a tipple or two of Ward III's potent combinations.  Our favorites include the mini-pulled pork or duck sliders ( Loungerati's  winner of Best Bar Food of 2010 ), the Moroccan Chicken Pot Pie, and Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onion Quesedillas.  Top shelf booze, craft beers, come as you are attitude, and delicious bar food equates to catering to a wide audience without any compromises to quality. In true egalitarian fashion, there are no secret phone numbers or buzzers to ring. Just roll in.


Some Background:
Ward III was opened in June 2009 by three experienced barkeeps whose pedigree includes Grace Bar, Odeon, Macao Trading Company, and Ella. The back bar is constructed from vintage Singer sewing machines, the walls exposed brick, and the long hand crafted oak bar is a beauty. The liquor selection is absolutely stellar and they are known for their whiskeys. Every Monday is Whiskey Monday at Ward III, a special event that features a complimentary tasting of various distillers products that range from local producers like New York's Tuthilltown Spirits to Auchentoshan single malt scotch.


Ward III were the standout winners of Loungerati's Best Saloon of 2009  and in our humble opinion, they were robbed when it came to Time Out NY's 2010 Eat Out Awards - Most Democratic Bar. Bespoke Cocktails that you help create, what is more democratic than having it your way? On a recent night, out I suggested a friend try the bespoke list and she went with a Basil Gimlet made with Plymouth Gin, muddled basil, fresh lime, and simple syrup.  Not only was her cocktail made to order without delay but I believe the proprietors were impressed with its uniqueness. If the bespoke drink is a hit, it is added to their records for the next time you arrive. It is no wonder that that Loungerati has partnered with Ward III to hold our 3rd Annual Holiday Repeal Day party and will continue to make it a cocktail destination. 

Dress up or Dress down. Up or on the rocks. We will see you at your new regular joint.

Ward III
111 Reade Street
@ West Broadway
TriBeCa section of NYC
Phone: (212) 240-9194

Destinations: July 4th 2011 Weekend

The Loungerati at the Liberty Belle Spectacular 2010

Ok patriots, we are recommending two unique events for your Fourth of July tipple. A Jazz Age extravaganza with hot burlesque, potent punches, and a vintage attired crowd with rooftop views of the fireworks or a good old fashioned BBQ with a special whiskey tasting in Tribeca.  Here is the skinny!



The Liberty Belle Spectacular
July 4th  - 5pm - 2am
Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar
$25 at the door / $20 in advance

Dances of Vice, The Salon, The Champagne Riot, and Wit's End join forces to present another unforgettable vintage Fourth of July extravaganza!

Featuring vintage patriotic melodies by Gelber & Manning and the Star Spangled Orchestra; rockabilly ballads, boogies and blues by Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co; acoustic Hawaiian swing on the East Terrace by the Moonlighters; performances by tap sensations The Minsky Sisters; mesmerizing burlesque by Angie Pontani, Jezebel Express, Main Attraction, Gal Friday, and Medianoche; DJs Adam Lee and DJ Sei (Rebel Night); cocktails by guest bartender Fredo from Loungerati; and the always dapper MC Dandy Wellington!

We're starting the party earlier this year, and when you get a ticket online, you'll be able to reserve an admission time.

For more information go to:
www.libertybellespectacular.com

* Tickets sold with a reserved time-slot for ease of admission

Empire Hotel
44 West 63rd Street
New York, NY

4th of July Back Yard BBQ
WARD III
July 4th - 5pm - 8pm
Free Admission

We're grilling for the 4th of July! As most of us don't have back-yards, and not all of us can get away for the weekend, we've bought a bad-ass smoker, and are setting it up outside the bar.

$10 gets you a massive plate of food. $15 gets you the same plate, a pint of beer inside, and a sneak peak at the brilliant Cheryl Lins' new line of aged whiskies. Honestly, how else would we celebrate the 4th but with a whiskey tasting?

Barbecue prepared by Ward III chef, Coby Farrow, veteran line-cook & rock-star barback Danny Neff, and culinary school graduate Wes Bouchia.

The grill we be cooking from 5-8pm. Nice view of the fireworks a short walk away. All are welcome.

Ward III
111 Reade Street
Tribeca, NYC

Happy Repeal Day!!

On this day, December 5th, in 1933, the 21st Amendment to the US Constitution became law. This piece of legislation repealed the 18th Amendment's Prohibition of alcohol. The last state to ratify the amendment in the State conventions, thus passing the 3/4 majority required to amend the Constitution under Article 5, was Utah! So three cheers to Utah!

XXI Amendment

Section 1. The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.

Section 2. The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.

Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.

Today is also the third anniversary of Loungerati. In 2006 as the lounge website Tommywhitetie.com was closed down by it's eponymous founder, a select group of Loungers refused to go quietly. It wasn't last call yet, and there was an open bar of opportunity and ideas. Loungerati was born on a cocktail napkin and continues to serve as an outlet to those who enjoy Lounge culture, the sporting life, exquisite cocktails, classic music, and a good time!

So please join us at WARD III in Tribeca, NYC tonight to celebrate your right to imbibe and Loungerati's birthday.